A teen has been charged over an alleged string of break and enter and vehicle theft offences in the state's south as part of Operation Regional Mongoose.
Operation Regional Mongoose is a high-visibility police operation to tackle serious property-related crime, committed predominately by young offenders.
Between Friday 20 February 2026 and Saturday 28 February 2026, police will allege the teenager was involved in a number of break and enters and motor vehicle thefts in Albury, Wagga Wagga and Culcairn.
Following extensive investigations, about 8.45am yesterday (Tuesday 10 March 2026), officers attached to Murray River Police District arrested a 14-year-old boy in Albury.
He was taken to Albury Police Station and charged with 10 offences;
- aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal less than or equal $60000 (five counts)
- steal motor vehicle (three counts)
- take & drive conveyance without consent of owner
- dishonestly obtain property by deception
He was refused bail and appeared a Childrens Court yesterday, where he was formally refused bail to reappear in the same court on Tuesday 17 March 2026.
Police will allege in court the teen was involved in a break and enter and motor vehicle theft in McLaren Boulevarde, Thurgoona, a break and enter of a business in Forest Hill and Fernleigh Road, Mount Austin. Officers will also allege the teen was involved in the theft of a motor vehicle in Wattle Street, Culcairn, a break and enter and theft of a motor vehicle in Friarbird Way, Thurgoona, and a break and enter and motorbike theft at a home in Guy Place, Thurgoona.
